Drug delivery device and methods having a retaining member

ABSTRACT

A device for delivering a drug depot into a patient via a cannula is provided. The device includes a housing with a coupling mechanism. A drug cartridge is positioned within the housing and includes a cartridge depot channel having an occluding device that includes a ramp and a plateau. The occluding device occludes the cartridge depot channel to prevent the drug depot from moving beyond the occluding device without force applied to the drug depot sufficient to deflect the occluding device an amount to allow the drug depot to move beyond the occluding device. The drug cartridge includes an alignment boss with an end channel coaxial with the cartridge depot channel. A push rod is slidably receivable in the housing and the drug cartridge to move the drug depot beyond the occluding device, into the cartridge depot channel, through the cannula and into the patient.

BACKGROUND

Drugs may be delivered to patients by a variety of methods includingoral, intravenous, intramuscular, inhalation, topical or subcutaneousdelivery. The drug may be delivered directly or locally to the treatmentsite (e.g., intrathecally, intraspinally, intraarticularly, etc.). Themethod of delivery chosen depends upon, among other things, thecondition being treated, and the desired therapeutic concentration ofthe drug to be achieved in the patient and the duration of drugconcentration that must be maintained.

Drug depots have been developed, which allow a drug to be introduced oradministered to sites beneath the skin of a patient. The drug depotreleases the drug over a period of time. Drug depots allow the drug tobe released from the depot in a relatively uniform dose over weeks,months or even years. Administering drugs using drug depots is becomingespecially important and popular in modulating the immune, inflammationand/or pain responses in treatment of chronic conditions includingrheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome,lower back pain, lower extremity pain, upper extremity pain, cancer,tissue pain and pain associated with injury or repair of cervical,thoracic, and/or lumbar vertebrae or intervertebral discs, rotator cuff,articular joint, TMJ, tendons, ligaments, muscles, and the like.

Drug depots are typically inserted into a treatment site beneath theskin of a patient by use of a trocar device, which is a two-piece devicethat includes a cannula and an obdurator. The trocar device requires anincision to be made through the skin using a separate instrument (e.g.,scalpel) so that the drug depot can be moved through the incision to animplant site within the patient's anatomy. The cannula and obdurator maybe inserted together through the incision. Next, the obdurator iswithdrawn, leaving the cannula in place as a guide for inserting thedrug depot. The drug depot is inserted through the cannula, and theobdurator is used to push the implant to the end of the cannula. Thecannula and obdurator are then withdrawn completely, leaving the drugdepot at the implant site.

Typically, trocar devices are used to implant drug depots subcutaneouslyover a large area (e.g., 2-2.5 inches), with a typical drug depot in theorder of 1½ inches long. Thus, the trocar device is not suitable formany small or hard to reach treatment sites because it lacks precisionand may cause additional trauma to the tissue surrounding the site ofimplant.

Other drug delivery devices have been developed that attempt to simplifyimplanting drug depots. These devices have a handle for one-handedimplantation of a drug depot, a needle containing the drug depot to beimplanted and a rod positioned within the needle for pushing the drugdepot out of the needle. Once the needle containing the drug depot hasbeen inserted at the site of implantation, a spring loaded trigger onthe handle is activated, which causes the needle to be automaticallywithdrawn by a spring, thus leaving the drug depot at the site ofimplantation. Unfortunately, it is not possible to control the motion ofthe needle in these devices because the needle will automaticallyretract upon activation of the trigger. Furthermore, the complex springloaded propelling system and trigger of these devices increase thelikelihood that the device will jam and fail to eject the drug depotwhen required.

Conventional needle and syringe devices have also been used to implant adrug depot to sites within a patient, such as, for example, epiduralspace. These devices typically utilize a syringe that is preloaded withthe drug depot. A needle of the syringe is inserted through thepatient's skin, supraspinous ligament, intraspinous ligament, ligamentumflavum and into the epidural space. The drug depot is delivered throughthe needle to the epidural space by moving a plunger of the syringerelative to the needle. However, such devices do not allow forcontrolled and precision implantation of a drug depot. The ability toimplant a drug depot in a controlled and precise manner is furtherreduced when such devices are used to implant multiple drug depots.

In devices used for drug depot implantation, drug depots are secured ina drug cartridge of the devices by use of a bulking agent. The bulkingagent may be added to the drug depot to ensure the drug depot is securewithin the drug cartridge, such that the drug depot is released when aplunger is engaged to dislodge the drug depot from the drug cartridge.The bulking agent may be added to the drug cartridge before the drugdepot is added to the drug cartridge. The drug depot may also be addedto the drug cartridge before the bulking agent is positioned within thedrug cartridge, and the bulking agent is added to the drug cartridgeafter the drug depot has been positioned therein. Use of a bulking agentto retain the drug depot in a drug cartridge requires additional stepsand is time consuming.

Treatment of patients with drug depots involves injecting one or aplurality of drug depots into the patient. In order to avoid injectingan incorrect number of drug depots, a drug delivery device should allowfor visual verification of a number of drug depots loaded in the drugdelivery device. Furthermore, since varying numbers of drug depots areused, it is desirable that a drug delivery device accommodate varyingnumbers of the drug depots. It is further desirable that a drug deliverydevice be tailored to specific numbers of drug depots. Still further,reliability of such drug delivery devices is important and such devicesshould therefore provide for jam free operation.

New drug delivery devices are needed, which can easily allow accurateand precise implantation of at least one drug depot with minimalphysical and psychological trauma to a patient. When implanting aplurality of drug depots, a drug delivery device is needed thataccurately and precisely allows placement of the drug depots in a mannersuch that one of the drug depot does not substantially interfere withthe other drug depots.

SUMMARY

New drug delivery devices are provided that can easily allow accurateand precise implantation of at least one drug depot with minimalphysical and psychological trauma to a patient.

Disclosed are drug delivery devices, kits that include at least one ofthe drug delivery devices and/or components of at least one of the drugdelivery devices and methods for assembling the drug delivery devicesand/or implanting at least one drug depot using the drug deliverydevices.

In some embodiments, the drug delivery device comprises a housing and atleast one drug cartridge, which optionally includes at least oneoccluding device to prevent unintended exit of a drug depot from thedrug cartridge(s). The drug cartridges are configured for a differingnumber of drug depots. The housing includes a viewing aperture forverifying the number of drug depots within each of the drug cartridges.A plunger has a push rod for moving the drug depots through the drugdelivery device for delivery to a site within the patient. The kitcomprises at least the above components. The method includes assemblingthe components of the drug delivery device and delivering a selectednumber of drug depots into a patient using the drug delivery device.

In some embodiments, each of the drug cartridges defines a cartridgedepot channel dimensioned to slidably accept at least one of the drugdepots. At least one of the drug cartridges has at least a firstoccluding device configured to at least partially occlude the cartridgedepot channel at a first occluding position to prevent the drug depotsfrom moving past the first occluding position. A force is applied to atleast one of the drug depots to deflect the first occluding device andpermit at least one of the drug depots to move past the first occludingdevice. The housing has a coupling mechanism at a distal housing end forengaging the cannula. The push rod is slidably receivable in thecartridge depot channel to move at least one of the drug depots past thefirst occluding device, through the cannula and into the patient.

In some embodiments, the housing defines an aperture for viewing atleast one of the drug cartridges, and at least one of the drugcartridges has a retaining panel arranged to retain at least one drugdepot in the cartridge depot channel. In some embodiments, the retainingpanel is transparent or translucent to permit visual verification of thepresence of at least one of the drug depots in the drug cartridge viathe aperture in the housing.

In some embodiments, at least one of the drug cartridges has analignment boss at a distal cartridge end through which the cartridgedepot channel passes. The alignment boss includes an opening at a distalend thereof that is in communication with the cartridge depot channel.The housing defines a cartridge cavity configured to accept one of thedrug cartridges. The cartridge cavity has a proximal cavity end and adistal cavity end. The distal cavity end is proximal to the couplingmechanism. The opening in the alignment boss is in communication withthe cartridge depot channel such that at least one of the drug depotscan move through the cartridge depot channel and exit the cartridgedepot channel through the opening that extends through the cartridgeboss. In some embodiments, the opening in the alignment boss is coaxialwith the cartridge depot channel such that at least one of the drugdepots can move along a longitudinal axis through the cartridge depotchannel, exit the cartridge depot channel through the opening thatextends through the alignment boss and enter the cannula. The cartridgecomprises a cartridge body that is positioned in a first portion of acartridge cavity of the housing and the alignment boss is positioned ina second portion of the cartridge cavity, such as, for example, areceiving socket. The second portion has a diameter that is less thanthat of the first portion. In some embodiments, an inner surface of thehousing that defines the second portion of the cartridge cavity engagesan outer surface of the alignment boss to secure the alignment boss inthe second portion of the cartridge cavity, such as, for example, apress fit manner that aligns the cartridge depot channel, the opening inthe alignment boss and the cannula.

In some embodiments, at least one of the drug cartridges optionallyincludes a second occluding device configured to at least partiallyocclude the cartridge depot channel at a second occluding position. Thesecond occluding device is spaced apart from the first occluding devicea distance sufficient to accept at least one of the drug depots in thecartridge depot channel. The second occluding device is configured suchthat at least one of the drug depots cannot pass through the cartridgedepot channel at the second occluding position without force beingapplied to at least one of the drug depots to deflect the secondoccluding device to move at least one of the drug depots past the secondoccluding device. In some embodiments, the second occluding device has alength sufficient to accept a maximum of one drug depot in the cartridgedepot channel between the first and second occluding devices. In someembodiments, the second occluding device has a length sufficient toaccept a maximum of two drug depots in the cartridge depot channelbetween the first and second occluding devices. In some embodiments, thesecond occluding device has a length sufficient to accept a maximum ofthree drug depots in the cartridge depot channel between the first andsecond occluding devices.

In some embodiments, the first and second occluding devices arerespectively first and second cantilever arms each having a rampedprotruding portion extending into and at least partially occluding thecartridge depot channel respectively at the first and second occludingpositions. In some embodiments, the drug cartridge is positioned withinthe housing such that the drug cartridge cannot be removed from thehousing without breaking the housing. In some embodiments, the deviceincludes a locking feature configured to allow the drug cartridge to beinserted into the housing, but prevents the drug cartridge from beingremoved from the housing.

In some embodiments, the ramped protruding portions of the first andsecond occluding devices each include a ramp and a plateau. The push rodis configured to push at least one of the drug depots such that at leastone of the drug depots slides along the ramp of the first occludingdevice and onto the plateau of the first occluding device. At least oneof the drug depots slides along the plateau of the first occludingdevice and into the cartridge depot channel. The push rod is used tomove at least one of the drug depots from the cartridge depot channeland onto the ramp of the second occluding device. At least one of thedrug depots slides along the ramp of the second occluding device andonto the plateau of the second occluding device. At least one of thedrug depots slides along the plateau of the second occluding device andinto the cannula.

The housing includes a lower body and an upper body. The housing extendsin a longitudinal direction between a housing upper end and a housinglower end. The lower body has a lower body bottom end, a lower bodyupper end, and an annular step surface extending inward from an outerperiphery of the lower body. The lower body defines a lower body channelextending in the longitudinal direction. The lower body channel has anopening at the lower body upper end and an opening at the lower bodybottom end. The lower body bottom end includes the coupling mechanism ofthe drug delivery device. The coupling mechanism is configured forengaging a proximal end of the cannula with the housing. The upper bodyhas an upper body top end and an upper body bottom end. The upper bodydefines an upper body channel that is open to the upper body top end.The upper body is connected to the lower body. A ring member has a ringtop end and a ring bottom end. In some embodiments, the ring memberextends upward from the annular step surface toward the housing upperend such that the ring member contacts at least one of the upper bodyand the lower body. The plunger of the drug delivery device has the pushrod slidably receivable in the upper body channel, the depot channel andthe lower body channel. The push rod has a push rod end configured tocontact at least one of the drug depots when at least one drug depot isdisposed in the drug cartridge. Upon application of force, the push rodmoves at least one of the drug depots through the drug delivery deviceand into the site beneath the skin of the patient.

In some embodiments, the ring member of the drug delivery device isselected from a plurality of ring members that each includes indicia.The indicia may correspond to one or more of the drug depots, such as,for example, a feature of one or more of the drug depots and/or themaximum number of drug depots the drug cartridge can hold. The selectedring member is slid onto the upper body or the lower body. In someembodiments, the indicia includes either or both of alphanumericlabeling or color coding to facilitate selection of a drug deliverydevice containing the correct drug.

In some embodiments, the drug cartridge comprises a first cartridgeplate and a second cartridge plate that is removably attached to thefirst cartridge plate. The first cartridge plate and the secondcartridge plate, in combination, define the cartridge depot channel. Atleast one of the first and second cartridge plates comprises a cartridgeengagement structure that secures the first cartridge plate to thesecond cartridge plate. In some embodiments, the engagement structure isdisposed between a distal cartridge end and an opposite proximatecartridge end of the drug cartridge. In some embodiments, the cartridgeengagement structure comprises engaging members, such as, for example,first and second prongs. In some embodiments, the first and secondprongs extend respectively from first and second opposing lateral sidesof one of the first and second cartridge plates. The other one of thefirst and second cartridge plates comprises engaging openings configuredto engage the first and second prongs. In some embodiments, the secondcartridge plate comprises the first occluding device discussed above. Insome embodiments, the first cartridge plate comprises the secondoccluding device discussed above.

The push rod has a length that is long enough to adequately expel thedrug depot through the combined length of the housing and the cannula.In some embodiments, the push rod has a length that is less than thecombined length of the housing and the cannula. That is, the push roddoes not and cannot extend to or beyond the distal tip of the needle. Insome embodiments, the push rod has a length that is greater than orequal to the combined length of the housing and the cannula such thatthe push rod can be inserted into the housing and through the cannulasuch that the push rod extends entirely through the cannula. In someembodiments, the push rod has a length that is greater than the combinedlength of the housing and the cannula such that the push rod can beinserted into the housing and through the cannula such that the push rodextends entirely through the cannula and out of an opening in a distaltip of the cannula. In some embodiments, the device and/or kit includesa plurality of push rods that have different lengths and/or a pluralityof cannulas that have different lengths. For example, in someembodiments, the device and/or kit includes a first push rod and a firstcannula each having a length configured to deliver a drug depot into apetite patient, where the cannula does not need to penetrate deep intothe patient. In some embodiments, the device and/or kit includes asecond push rod and a second cannula, wherein at least one of secondpush rod and second cannula have a length that is greater than that ofthe first push rod and/or the first cannula such that the second pushrod and the second cannula are configured to deliver a drug depot into anormal patient, where the second cannula needs to penetrate deeper intothe patient, than with a petite patient. In some embodiments, the deviceand/or kit includes a third push rod and a third cannula, wherein atleast one of the third push rod and the third cannula have a length thatis greater than that of the second push rod and/or the second cannulasuch that the third push rod and the third cannula are configured todeliver a drug depot into an obese patient, where the third cannulaneeds to penetrate deeper into the patient, than with a normal patient.

In some embodiments, the kit comprises one or a plurality of drugcartridges that are the same or similar to the drug cartridges discussedabove. The drug cartridges each have at least the first occludingdevice. One of the drug cartridges may be configured to accept a firstnumber of drug depots and another one of the drug cartridges mayconfigured to accept a second number of drug depots that is differentthan the first number of drug depots.

In some embodiments, the method includes delivering at least one drugdepot using at least one of the drug depot delivery devices discussedabove. In some embodiments, the method comprises selecting one of thedrug cartridges discussed above as a selected drug cartridge. In someembodiments, the drug cartridge selected is based upon the maximumnumber of drug depots the drug cartridge can hold. That is, if only onedrug depot is going to be delivered into a patient, a drug cartridgethat holds a maximum of one drug depot may be selected. Likewise, if twodrug depots are going to be delivered into a patient, a drug cartridgethat holds a maximum of two drug depots may be selected. Etc. Theselected drug cartridge is loaded with a selected number of drug depots.The selected drug cartridge is installed in the housing of the drugdelivery device. The cannula is coupled to the housing. The number ofdrug depots that are in the selected drug cartridge is visually verifiedby looking through the aperture in the selected drug cartridge. Thecannula is inserted into the patient. One or a plurality of the drugdepots are implanted into the patient by inserting the push rod of thedrug delivery device into the cartridge depot channel and advancing thepush rod to move at least one of the drug depots into the patientthrough the cannula. In some embodiments, the method includes insertingthe cannula into the patient such that a distal tip of the cannula ispositioned adjacent to a selected implant site within the patient'sanatomy.

In some embodiments, at least one of the drug depots is pre-loaded intothe drug delivery device. That is, the user does not need to load thedrug depot(s) into the drug delivery device. Rather, the drug depot(s)is/are positioned within the drug delivery device upon receiving thedevice. In some embodiments, the drug delivery device is configured tobe loaded with at least one drug depot during assembly of the drugdelivery device. In some embodiments, the drug delivery device includesa drug cartridge that is configured to be breach loaded with drug depotsafter assembly of the drug delivery device.

Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure will be setforth in part in the description that follows, and in part will beapparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of thepresent disclosure. The objectives and other advantages of the presentdisclosure will be realized and attained by means of the elements andcombinations particularly pointed out in the description and appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In part, other aspects, features, benefits and advantages of theembodiments will be apparent with regard to the following description,appended claims and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1A is a front elevation view of a drug delivery device inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the drug delivery device shown in FIG.1A, with part partially separated;

FIG. 1C is a front elevation view of a plunger of the drug deliverydevice shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a front side elevation view of an assembled housing of a drugdelivery device in accordance with the present disclosure that includesa drug cartridge configured for a maximum of one drug depot;

FIG. 2B is a front side elevation view of an assembled housing of thedrug delivery device shown in FIG. 1A that includes a drug cartridgeconfigured for a maximum of two drug depots;

FIG. 2C is a front side elevation view of an assembled housing of thedrug delivery device shown in FIG. 1A that includes a drug cartridgeconfigured for a maximum of three drug depots;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a housing of the drug deliverydevice shown in FIG. 1A, with a drug cartridge configured for three drugdepots installed, taken along line III-III of FIG. 2C;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a funnel body having a second drugcartridge plate and a first cartridge plate, each of the drug deliverydevices shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 4B is a front side elevation view of a funnel body, a first drugcartridge plate, and a second drug cartridge plate, each of the drugdelivery devices shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 5A-1 is a side elevation view of a first cartridge plate of thedrug delivery device shown in FIG. 1A that is configured be installed onthe funnel body of FIGS. 4A and 4B and to hold one drug depot;

FIG. 5A-2 is a side elevation view of a first cartridge plate of thedrug delivery device shown in FIG. 1A that is configured to be installedon the funnel body of FIGS. 4A and 4B and to hold two drug depots;

FIG. 5A-3 is a side elevation view of a first cartridge plate of thedrug delivery device shown in FIG. 1A that is configured to be installedon the funnel body of FIGS. 4A and 4B and to hold three drug depots;

FIG. 5B-1 is a perspective view of a first cartridge plate of the drugdelivery device shown in FIG. 1A that is configured to be installed onthe funnel body of FIGS. 4A and 4B and to hold one drug depot;

FIG. 5B-2 is a perspective view of a first cartridge plate of the drugdelivery device shown in FIG. 1A that is configured to be installed onthe funnel body of FIGS. 4A and 4B and to hold two drug depots;

FIG. 5B-3 is a perspective view of a first cartridge plate of the drugdelivery device shown in FIG. 1A that is configured to be installed onthe funnel body of FIGS. 4A and 4B and to hold three drug depots;

FIG. 6A is cross-sectional view of the funnel body of the drug deliverydevice shown in FIG. 4A taken along line XIA-XIA; and

FIG. 6B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a bottom portion of afunnel body and first cartridge plate of the drug delivery device shownin FIG. 6A.

It is to be understood that the figures are not drawn to scale but thatelements of the figures shown are drawn to scale relative to oneanother. The figures are intended to bring understanding and clarity tothe structure of each object shown, and thus, some features may beexaggerated in order to illustrate a specific feature of a structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of this specification and appended claims, unlessotherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients,percentages or proportions of materials, reaction conditions, and othernumerical values used in the specification and claims, are to beunderstood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.”Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parametersset forth in the following specification and attached claims areapproximations that may vary depending upon the desired propertiessought to be obtained by the embodiments of the present disclosure. Atthe very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of thedoctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numericalparameter should at least be construed in light of the number ofreported significant digits and by applying ordinary roundingtechniques.

Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forththe broad scope of the embodiments are approximations, the numericalvalues set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely aspossible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certainerrors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in theirrespective testing measurements. Moreover, all ranges disclosed hereinare to be understood to encompass any and all subranges subsumedtherein. For example, a range of “1 to 10” includes any and allsubranges between (and including) the minimum value of 1 and the maximumvalue of 10, that is, any and all subranges having a minimum value ofequal to or greater than 1 and a maximum value of equal to or less than10, e.g., 5.5 to 10.

It is noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims,the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the,” include plural referents unlessexpressly and unequivocally limited to one referent. Thus, for example,reference to “a drug depot” includes one, two, three or more drugdepots.

It is to be further understood that the doctrine of claimdifferentiation is to be applied between independent claims and theirdependents and is not intended to be applied across independent claims.For example, the term A in a first independent claim may be interpretedto have the same scope as term B in a second independent claim, while ifterm A is in a first independent claim and term B further defines term Ain claim dependent from the first independent claim, then term A musthave a broader scope than term B. In other words, phrases that differfrom one independent claim to another independent claim may beinterpreted to have equal scope and read on common structure yet presentthe structure using different terminology in order to account fordiffering interpretation of phrase language.

Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of thepresent disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. While the embodiments of the present disclosurewill be described in conjunction with the illustrated embodiments, itwill be understood that they are not intended to limit the embodimentsto those embodiments. On the contrary, the embodiments are intended tocover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, which may beincluded within the embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

The headings below are not meant to limit the disclosure in any way;embodiments under any one heading may be used in conjunction withembodiments under any other heading.

New drug delivery devices, which can easily allow the accurate andprecise implantation of multiple drug depots with minimal physical andpsychological trauma to a patient are provided. In some embodiments, thedrug delivery device allows the user to dispense multiple drug depots,in sequence, to a site beneath the skin of the patient. In someembodiments, the drug delivery device allows the user to dispensemultiple drug depots in sequence.

Definitions

Patients include a biological system to which a treatment can beadministered. A biological system can include, for example, anindividual cell, a set of cells (e.g., a cell culture), an organ, or atissue. Additionally, the term “patient” can refer to animals,including, without limitation, humans.

Treating or treatment of a disease refers to executing a protocol, whichmay include administering one or more drugs to a patient (human orotherwise), in an effort to alleviate signs or symptoms of the disease.Alleviation can occur prior to signs or symptoms of the diseaseappearing, as well as after their appearance. Thus, “treating” or“treatment” includes “preventing” or “prevention” of disease. Inaddition, “treating” or “treatment” does not require completealleviation of signs or symptoms, does not require a cure, andspecifically includes protocols that have only a marginal effect on thepatient.

“Localized” delivery includes, delivery where one or more drugs aredeposited within a tissue, for example, a nerve root of the nervoussystem or a region of the brain, or in close proximity (within about 10cm, or within about 5 cm, for example) thereto. “Targeted deliverysystem” provides delivery of one or more drugs depots in a quantity ofpharmaceutical composition that can be deposited at the target site asneeded for treatment of pain, inflammation or other disease orcondition.

Drug Delivery Device

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1C, the drug delivery device comprises a housing100, a push rod 110, and a plunger 120 coupled to push rod 110. Theplunger 120 has a knob 122 with an optional raised surface pattern 123.The raised surface pattern 123 provides for tactile grip of the knob122. The illustrated raised surface pattern 123 is merely exemplary, andvarious modified patterns may be used. For example, the housing 100comprises a main housing, such as, for example, a housing body 104(FIGS. 1A and 1B) and a funnel body 102 (FIG. 3). In some embodiments,the housing body 104 defines a viewing aperture 106 (FIGS. 1A and 1B)configured to allow viewing of a drug cartridge (discussed below) and/orat least one drug depot within the housing body 104 so as to confirmpresence of one or more drug depots within the drug cartridge and/or toverify that the proper type of drug depots are positioned within thedrug cartridge. In some embodiments, the viewing aperture 106 is sizedto permit viewing of multiple drug depots that are loaded into the drugcartridge. In some embodiments, the viewing aperture 106 is sized topermit viewing of only one drug depot that is loaded into the drugcartridge.

When push rod 110 is inserted through housing body 104, plunger knob 122engages a proximal end of housing body 104, as shown in FIG. 1A. In someembodiments, an outer surface of plunger 120 engages an inner surface ofhousing body 104 when knob 122 engages the proximal end of housing body104. In some embodiments, the outer surface of plunger knob 122optionally has alignment ridges 125 which are configured to for disposalin corresponding grooves in the inner surface of housing body 104 toalign plunger knob 122 with housing body 104. Additionally, it isenvisioned that alignment ridges 125 provide structural support for thepush rod 110. In some embodiments, housing body 104 is configured to becoupled to a cannula such that one or a plurality of drug depots willmove through the cannula after the drug depots are expelled from housingbody 104, as discussed herein. This allows a distal end of the cannulato be positioned adjacent to a target location at which the drug depotsare to be implanted. The drug depots will exit the cannula through anopening in a distal end of the cannula after the drug depots areexpelled from housing body 104 to deliver the drug depots to the targetlocation. In some embodiments, the cannula is coupled to housing body104 via a luer lock. An indicator ridge 108 is optionally provided onthe housing body 104 such that when proper coupling of the luer lock ismade, a corresponding ridge on a luer lock portion of the cannula alignswith the indicator ridge 108 of the housing body 104. Prior to disposingthe drug depots in the patient, the user visually confirms presence of acorrect number and type of the drug depots via the viewing aperture 106.In some embodiments, the cannula has a proximal end engaged to thehousing 100 via a coupling device 135 (see, e.g., FIG. 1A). In someembodiments, the coupling device 135 comprises a luer lock, as discussedherein. In some embodiments, the coupling device 135 comprises threadingfitting, friction fit fitting, or another fitting mechanism tofunctionally couple the cannula to the housing 100 so as to permitpassage of at least one drug depot through the cannula and exit at adistal end of the cannula. In some embodiments, the cannula is hollowand has a sufficient diameter to allow passage of at least one of thedrug depots. In some embodiments, the push rod 110 is configured to moveat least one of the drug depots out of the drug cartridge. The distalend of the cannula is capable of insertion to a site beneath the skin.The size of the cannula is dictated by the procedure.

In some embodiments, the drug depots each comprise a drug pellet, suchas, for example, drug depots 140 (FIG. 2C). Drug depots 140 may includeany drug or combination of drugs. For example, in one embodiment, atleast one of drug depots 140 includes an effective amount of clonidineand a biodegradable polymer.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-2C, housing 100 comprises a main housing, such as,for example, housing body 104 and a first ring member 210. The drugdelivery device includes a drug cartridge that is adaptable toselectively hold one or more drug depots, such as, for example, drugdepots 140, by virtue of selection of one of the cartridge plates 200-1to 200-3. FIGS. 2A and 5A-1 depict the cartridge plate 200-1, which isadapted to hold one drug depot, such as, for example, one drug depot140. FIGS. 2B and 5A-2 depict cartridge plate 200-2, which is adapted tohold two drug depots, such as, for example, two drug depots 140. FIGS.2C and 5A-3 depict cartridge plate 200-3, which is adapted to hold threedrug depots, such as, for example, three drug depots 140. It is to beunderstood that the plates 200-1-200-3 may be adapted in accordance withthe scope and spirit of this disclosure to hold varying number of drugdepots, such as, for example, drug depots 140, and is not limited to amaximum of three drug depots or size increments of one drug depot.

Referring to FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the funnel body 102 has acartridge plate 202 integrally formed therewith. In some embodiments,the cartridge plate 202 is formed separately from the funnel portion ofthe funnel body 102 and joined by a suitable engagement structure withcomplementary portions incorporated into the cartridge plate 202 and thefunnel portion, as described below. In some embodiments, the housingbody 104 may serve to secure together one of the cartridge plates200-1-200-3 with cartridge plate 202.

The cartridge plate 202 engages one of the cartridge plates 200-1-200-3,as illustrated in FIGS. 3-4B. In some embodiments, cartridge plates200-1-200-3, shown individually in FIGS. 5A-1 through 5B-3, are formedof a transparent or translucent material allowing the depot depots 140to be viewed. In some embodiments, the cartridge plate 202 may also beformed of a translucent or transparent material to allow viewing of thedepot depots 140 from an opposite end of the housing 100. In someembodiments, at least one of cartridge plates 200-1-200-3 include amesh, slotted, or perforated material to allow viewing of the depotdepots 140. As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, cartridge plates 200-1-200-3 areconfigured to respectively hold one, two, or three drug depots, such as,for example, drug depots 140. In some embodiments, the cartridge plates200-1-200-3 may be colored differently than the cartridge plate 202 suchthat, when viewed through the viewing aperture 106, the fifth cartridgeplates 200-1-200-3 may be readily distinguished from the sixth cartridgeplate 202.

The funnel body 102 is inserted into a housing body 104 with one of thecartridge plates 200-1-200-3 installed thereon. Cartridge plate 202 hasa bottom wall 314 from which an alignment boss 310 protrudes, as shownin FIG. 4A. An end channel 303 extends through an end surface 311 of thealignment boss 310. The end channel 303 is in communication with acartridge cavity of the housing 100 of the drug depot delivery device,as discussed herein. The alignment boss 310 engages a receiving socket312 in a bottom portion of the housing body 104, as shown in FIG. 3 Insome embodiments, the cartridge cavity of the housing 100 defines afirst portion of the cartridge cavity and the receiving socket 312defines a second portion of the cartridge cavity. The second portion hasa diameter that is less than that of the first portion. The alignmentboss 310 and the receiving socket 312 provide for precise alignment of anipple channel 175 of the coupling device 135 of housing 100 with theend channel 303 of the alignment boss 310 (FIG. 3) to reduce incidencesof a depot, such as, for example, one of drug depots 140, jamming whentransferring the drug depot 140 between the drug cartridge and thenipple channel 175. In some embodiments, the alignment boss 310 and thereceiving socket 312 are complementary tapered to provide for ease ofinsertion. Cartridge plate 202 has the end channel 303 formed as aconduit closed at the top. This further reduces the likelihood that adepot such as, for example, one of drug depots 140, will jam as it holdsthe drug depot 140 longitudinally aligned in place of a cantileverC-arm, which flexes as the drug depot 140 passes under it, as discussedherein.

The end channel 303 refers to a channel or conduit configured to accepta full diameter of a drug depot, such as, for example, one of drugdepots 140. In some embodiments, the channels or conduits have asemicircular configuration. In some embodiments, alternative shapes maybe employed which permit passage of the drug depots 140. In someembodiments, the shape of the channels or conduits does not conform tothe shape of the drug depots 140.

Cartridge plate 202 includes a main channel 302 that extends from afirst end of cartridge plate 202 and communicates with the end channel303 to an opposite second end of cartridge plate 202 that communicateswith a tapered bore 301 of a funnel 229 of funnel body 102, as shown inFIG. 6A. Tapering of the tapered bore 301 permits ease of loading thedepot depots 140. In some embodiments, the bore 301 is a straight bore,or a straight bore with a beveled intake. The end channel 303 isoptionally dimensioned slightly larger than the main channel 302 topermit some play so that the drug depot 140 may be guided by a beveledsocket bottom 313 (FIG. 3) into the nipple channel 175. The end channel303 in combination with the main channel 302 form a cartridge depotchannel.

Cartridge plates 200-1-200-3 each include a pellet retaining panel 213.Pellet retaining panel 213 is shown in FIG. 3 as pellet retaining panel213-3 Pellet retaining panels 213 are respectively sized in theirlongitudinal direction to retain one, two, or three drug depots, suchas, for example, drug depots 140 in the main channel 302 when one ofcartridge plates 200-1-200-3 is snapped onto cartridge plate 202 withthe depot depots 140 positioned in the main channel 302, as shown inFIGS. 2A-4B. In some embodiments, the pellet retaining panels 213 areflat on their rear sides to cover the main channel 302 and therebyretain the drug depots 140 therein. In some embodiments, the pelletretaining panels 213 have an indented channel for permitting passage ofthe drug depot 140 with an axis of a resulting conduit being alignedwith axes of the end channel 303 and the tapered bore 301.

Cartridge plates 200-1-200-3 have catch hook arms 206 at positions alonglongitudinal sides of cartridge plates 200-1-200-3. Catch hook arms 206fit in the notches 211 in cartridge plate 202 to engage the cartridgeplate 202 with one of cartridge plates 200-1-200-3, as shown in FIGS. 4Aand 4B. Adjacent to the catch hook arms 206 on right sides of cartridgeplates 200-1-200-3 is a polarizing boss 307 that engages a correspondingindentation in cartridge plate 202 to prevent installation of cartridgeplates 200-1-200-3 in an incorrect orientation.

Cartridge plates 200-1-200-3 each have a first occluding device, suchas, for example, a cantilever C-arm 208 and a second occluding device,such as, for example, one of cantilever C-arms 208-1-208-3. CantileverC-arms 208-208-3 are deflectable relative to cartridge plate 202. Thecantilever C-arm 208 has a bottom protrusion portion 207. The protrusionportion 207 includes a plateau and a ramp configured to at leastpartially occlude the main channel 302, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, toprevent passage of the drug depots 140. The bottom protrusion 207 isflexibly disposed by virtue of the deflection of the cantilever C-arm208 to allow passage of the drug depots 140 through the main channel 302on application of force upon the drug depots 140 from the plunger 120.

As shown in FIGS. 5B-1-5B-3, the cantilever C-arms 208-1-208-3 haveupper protrusion portions 207-1-207-3, which vary in length according tothe number of drug depots 140 the cartridge plates 200-1-200-3 areintended to retain. Upper protrusion portions 207-1-207-3 each have aplateau and a ramp to permit sliding of the drug depots 140 in the mainchannel 302, while deflecting the cantilever C-arms 208-1-208-3. Hence,the upper protrusion portions 207-1-207-3 extend to positions proximalto the retaining panels 213 to prevent the drug depots 140 from slidingout of the main channel 302 and excessive movement of the drug depots140 within the main channel 302. The upper protrusion portions207-1-207-3 extend into the main channel 302 such that the ramps atleast partially occlude the main channel 302 and prevent passage of thedrug depots 140 there through. The ramps of the upper protrusionportions 207-1-207-3 keep the drug depots 140 within a region of themain channel 302 and the retaining panels 213 maintain the drug depots140 within the main channel 302. Lower ends of the upper protrusionportions 207-1-207-3 are not ramped and are substantially at a rightangle to the axis of the main channel 302 so as to block passage of oneof drug depots 140 in an upward direction as a check valve would. Insome embodiments, the lower ends of the upper protrusion portions207-1-207-3 are rounded or ramped as a spring constant of the cantileverC-arms 208-1-208-3 is sufficient to prevent upward passage of the drugdepots 140.

As discussed above, the ramped protruding portions of the protrusionportions 207-207-3 each include a ramp and a plateau. The push rod 110is configured to push at least one of the drug depots 140 such that atleast one of the drug depots 140 slides along the ramp of one of theprotrusion portions 207-1-207-3 and onto the plateau of one of theprotrusion portions 207-1-207-3. At least one of the drug depots 140slides along the plateau of one of the protrusion portions 207-1-207-3and into the main channel 302. The push rod 110 is used to move at leastone of the drug depots 140 from the main channel 302 and onto the rampof one of the protrusion portion 207. At least one of the drug depots140 slides along the ramp of one of the protrusion portion 207 and ontothe plateau of one of the protrusion portion 207. At least one of thedrug depots 140 slides along the plateau of the protrusion portion 207.

In some embodiments, the drug delivery device is loaded with a selectednumber of the drug depots 140. Loading is affected by selectingcartridge plate 200-1-200-3 that is configured to retain the selectednumber of the drug depots 140. The selected number of the drug depots140 is placed into the main channel 302 at a lower distal end of themain channel 302. The selected one of the cartridge plates 200-1-200-3is installed onto cartridge plate 202 of the funnel body 102. The funnelbody 102 is installed into a cartridge cavity of the housing 100. Thecannula is secured to the housing 100. The cannula is inserted into apatient and the push rod 110 is used to advance the drug depots 140through the main channel 302, the end channel 303 and the nipple channel175 to implant the selected number of the drug depots 140 in thepatient.

In some embodiments, the selected one of the cartridge plates200-1-200-3 is installed onto cartridge plate 202, and the funnel body102 is then installed into a cartridge cavity of the housing 100. Thedrug depots 140 may then be breached loaded into the main channel 302via the funnel body 102.

Cannula

The cannula is designed to cause minimal physical and psychologicaltrauma to the patient. The cannula may be made from materials, such asfor example, polyurethane, polyurea, polyether(amide), PEBA,thermoplastic elastomeric olefin, copolyester, and styrenicthermoplastic elastomer, steel, aluminum, stainless steel, titanium,nitinol, metal alloys with high non-ferrous metal content and a lowrelative proportion of iron, carbon fiber, glass fiber, plastics,ceramics or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the cannula mayoptionally include one or more tapered regions. In some embodiments, thecannula may be beveled. In some embodiments, the cannula has a tip stylefor accurate treatment of the patient depending on the site forimplantation, such as, for example, Trephine, Cournand, Veress, Huber,Seldinger, Chiba, Francine, Bias, Crawford, deflected tips, Hustead,Lancet, or Tuohy. In some embodiments, the cannula may also benon-coring and have a sheath covering it to avoid unwanted needlesticks.

The cannula has an internal diameter that is larger than the diameter ofat least part of the push rod 110 (e.g., tip, middle, etc.) of theplunger 120 to allow at least part of the plunger 120 to be slidablyreceived within the cannula. In some embodiments, the diameter of thecannula is the same or substantially the same throughout. In someembodiments, the diameter of the cannula becomes smaller approaching thedistal end of the cannula.

The dimensions of the hollow cannula, among other things, will depend onthe site for implantation. For example, the width of the epidural spaceis only about 3-5 mm for the thoracic region and about 5-7 mm for thelumbar region. Thus, the cannula, in some embodiments, can be designedfor use in these specific areas. Some examples of lengths of the cannulamay include, but are not limited to, from about 50 to 150 mm in length,for example, about 65 mm for epidural pediatric use, about 89 mm for astandard adult and about 150 mm for an obese adult patient. Thethickness of the cannula will also depend on the site of implantation.In some embodiments, the thickness includes, but is not limited to, fromabout 0.05 to about 1.655 mm. The gauge of the cannula may be the widestor smallest diameter or a diameter in between for insertion into a humanor animal body. The widest diameter is typically about 14 gauge, whilethe smallest diameter is about 25 gauge. In some embodiments, the gaugeof the cannula is about 17 gauge to about 25 gauge.

In some embodiments, at least one of the plunger 120, the cannula andthe drug depot 140 include markings that indicate the location of theplunger 120 when the cannula is positioned at or near the site beneaththe skin. Radiographic markers can be included on the drug depot 140 topermit the user to accurately position the drug depot 140 into the siteof the patient. These radiographic markers will also permit the user totrack movement and degradation of the drug depot 140 at the site overtime. In such embodiments, the user may accurately position the drugdepot 140 in the site using any of the numerous diagnostic-imagingprocedures. Such diagnostic imaging procedures include, for example,X-ray imaging or fluoroscopy. Examples of such radiographic markersinclude, but are not limited to, barium, calcium phosphate, and/or metalbeads.

Push Rod Coupling Device

In some embodiments, surrounding the opening of the proximal end of thecannula is a generally cylindrical hub having an engagement means forengaging the housing body 104. In some embodiments, the housing body 104includes threading, tracks, clips, ribs, or projections, and the likethat allow a secure connection between the housing body 104 and theproximal end of the cannula. For example, in some embodiments, thecoupling device may be a luer lock connection, where the cannula hasmating threads that mate with the threads disposed on or in the housingbody.

Housing and Drug Cartridge Material

In some embodiments, the housing body 104 is optionally formed of any ofvarious shapes including, but not limited to, cylindrical or round suchthat the housing body 104 can accept of the drug cartridge and theplunger 120. In some embodiments, the housing body 104 includes at leastone side (e.g., a flat side) configured to prevent rolling of thehousing body 104. In some embodiments, the housing body 104 optionallyincludes a truncated circular cross section with opposing flat sides.

In some embodiments, the housing body 104 includes contours to alloweasy grasping of the drug delivery device during use for insertion of atleast one of the drug depots 140 within a patient. In some embodiments,the housing body is angled for right and left hand users or can begeneric for both hands.

In some embodiments, the housing body 104 and the drug cartridge may becomprised of any of a variety of materials, such as, for example,polyurethane, polyurea, polyether(amide), PEBA, thermoplasticelastomeric olefin, copolyester, and styrenic thermoplastic elastomer,steel, aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, nitinol, metal alloys withhigh non-ferrous metal content and a low relative proportion of iron,carbon fiber, glass fiber, plastics, ceramics, polycarbonate,acrylonitrile butadiene or combinations thereof.

Drug Delivery Device Kit

In some embodiments, a kit is provided which may include additionalparts along with the drug delivery device combined together to be usedto implant the drug depot(s) 140. The kit may include the drug deliverydevice in a first compartment. In some embodiments, the kit includeseach of the components discussed above such that a drug delivery devicecan be assembled having selected features due to the features orcharacteristics of the components selected. The second compartment mayinclude at least one of the drug cartridges and any other instrumentsneeded to the implant the drug depot 140 within a patient. A thirdcompartment may include gloves, drapes, wound dressings and otherprocedural supplies for maintaining sterility of the implanting process,as well as an instruction booklet. A fourth compartment may includeadditional cannulas. Each tool may be separately packaged in a plasticpouch or tray that is radiation sterilized. A cover of the kit mayinclude illustrations of the implanting procedure and a clear plasticcover may be placed over the compartments to maintain sterility.

In some embodiments, the kit includes a plurality of push rods, such as,for example, push rod 110 and a plurality of cannulas that havedifferent lengths. For example, in some embodiments, the kit includes afirst push rod 110 and a first cannula each having a length configuredto deliver a drug depot (e.g., at least one of drug depots 140) into apetite patient, where cannula does not need to penetrate deep into thepatient. In some embodiments, the kit includes a second push rod 110 anda second cannula, wherein at least one of second push rod 110 and secondcannula have a length that is greater than that of first push rod 110and/or first cannula such that second push rod 110 and second cannulaare configured to deliver a drug depot (e.g., at least one of drugdepots 140) into a normal patient, where second cannula needs topenetrate deeper into the patient, than with a petite patient. In someembodiments, the kit includes a third push rod 110 and a third cannula,wherein at least one of third push rod 110 and third cannula have alength that is greater than that of second push rod 110 and/or secondcannula such that third push rod 110 and third cannula are configured todeliver a drug depot (e.g., at least one of drug depots 140) into anobese patient, where third cannula needs to penetrate deeper into thepatient, than with a normal patient.

Method of Using the Drug Delivery Device.

A method is provided for delivering at least one drug depot, such as,for example, at least one of drug depots 140 to a site beneath the skinof a patient. In some embodiments, the method comprises assembling thedrug delivery device discussed above. In some embodiments, the drugdelivery device is pre-assembled and the method thus comprises using thepre-assembled drug delivery device, as discussed herein. In someembodiments, using the drug delivery devices comprises selecting a drugdelivery site beneath the skin of the patient and dispensing at leastone of the drug depots from the drug delivery device to the drugdelivery site.

In some embodiments, the method includes using the drug delivery devicefor localized and/or targeted delivery of the drug to a patient to treata disease or condition such as for example, rheumatoid arthritis,osteoarthritis, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, lower back pain, lowerextremity pain, upper extremity pain, cancer, post-operative pain,tissue pain and pain associated with injury or repair of cervical,thoracic, and/or lumbar vertebrae or intervertebral discs, rotator cuff,articular joint, TMJ, tendons, ligaments, bone, muscles, and the like.

In some embodiments, the method includes using the drug delivery deviceto treat pain, or other diseases or conditions of the patient. Painincludes acute pain and neuropathic pain. Acute pain refers to painexperienced when tissue is being damaged or is damaged (e.g., injury,infection, etc.). As contrasted to acute pain, neuropathic pain servesno beneficial purpose. Neuropathic pain results when pain associatedwith an injury or infection continues in an area once the injury orinfection has resolved. Sciatica provides an example of pain that cantransition from acute to neuropathic pain. Sciatica refers to painassociated with the sciatic nerve which runs from the lower part of thespinal cord (the lumbar region), down the back of the leg and to thefoot. Sciatica generally begins with a herniated disc. The herniateddisc itself leads to local immune system activation. The herniated discalso may damage the nerve root by pinching or compressing it, leading toadditional immune system activation in the area.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made to various embodimentsdescribed herein without departing from the spirit or scope of theteachings herein. Thus, it is intended that various embodiments coverother modifications and variations of various embodiments within thescope of the present teachings. As such, features of any of theembodiments discussed above may be incorporated into any of the otherembodiments discussed above to provide a drug delivery device havingselected features and characteristics.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for delivering a drug depot into apatient via a cannula for passage of said drug depot, said devicecomprising: a housing comprising opposite proximal and distal housingends, the distal housing end having a coupling mechanism; a drugcartridge positioned within said housing and comprising a cartridgedepot channel dimensioned to slidably expel said drug depot, said drugcartridge comprising a first occluding device that includes a ramp and aplateau each extending into the channel, the plateau extending distallyfrom the ramp, said first occluding device at least partially occludingsaid cartridge depot channel at a first occluding position to preventsaid drug depot from moving beyond said first occluding device, saiddrug cartridge further comprising an alignment boss comprising an endchannel coaxial with said cartridge depot channel and distal to saidfirst occluding device; and a push rod slidably receivable in saidhousing and said drug cartridge to move said drug depot beyond saidfirst occluding device, into said cartridge depot channel, through saidcannula and into said patient, wherein application of a force to saiddrug depot by the push rod deflects said first occluding device anamount to allow said drug depot to move beyond said first occludingdevice.
 2. A device for delivering a drug depot according to claim 1,further comprising at least one drug depot comprising a therapeuticallyeffective amount of a drug and a biodegradable polymer.
 3. A device fordelivering a drug depot according to claim 2, comprising two or threedrug depots.
 4. A device for delivering a drug depot according to claim1, further comprising a second occluding device that includes a secondramp and a second plateau each extending into the channel, said secondoccluding device at least partially occluding said cartridge depotchannel at a second occluding position to prevent said drug depot frommoving beyond second occluding device, wherein application of a secondforce to said second occluding device by the push rod deflects saidsecond occluding device an amount to allow said push rod to move beyondsaid second occluding device.
 5. A device for delivering a drug depotaccording to claim 4, wherein said second occluding device has a lengthsufficient to accept a maximum of one drug depot in said cartridge depotchannel between said first and second occluding devices.
 6. A device fordelivering a drug depot according to claim 4, wherein said secondoccluding device has a length sufficient to accept a maximum of two drugdepots in said cartridge depot channel between said first and secondoccluding devices.
 7. A device for delivering a drug depot according toclaim 4, wherein said second occluding device has a length sufficient toaccept a maximum of three drug depots in said cartridge depot channelbetween said first and second occluding devices.
 8. A device fordelivering a drug depot according to claim 1, wherein said plateau atleast partially occludes said cartridge depot channel at said firstoccluding position.
 9. A device for delivering a drug depot according toclaim 1, wherein said drug cartridge comprises a cartridge body, saidalignment boss extending from a distal end of said cartridge body, saidcartridge body being positioned in a first portion of a cartridge cavityof said housing and said alignment boss being positioned in a secondportion of said cartridge cavity, said second portion having a diameterthat is less than that of said first portion.
 10. A device fordelivering a drug depot according to claim 1, wherein said push rod hasa length that is long enough to expel a drug depot through a combinedlength of said housing and said cannula.
 11. A device for delivering adrug depot according to claim 1, wherein: said drug cartridge comprisesa first cartridge plate and a second cartridge plate, said firstcartridge plate and said second cartridge plate, in combination,defining said cartridge depot channel; and said first and secondcartridge plates comprise a cartridge engagement structure securing saidfirst cartridge plate to said second cartridge plate and disposedbetween a distal cartridge end and an opposite proximate cartridge endof said drug cartridge.
 12. A device for delivering a drug depotaccording to claim 11, wherein said cartridge engagement structureincludes engaging members extending from one of said second cartridgeplate and said first cartridge plate, said other one of said secondcartridge plate and said first cartridge plate comprising engagingopenings configured to engage said engaging members.
 13. A method fordelivering a drug depot, comprising: providing a device for delivering adrug depot into a patient via a cannula for passage of said drug depot,said device comprising: a housing comprising opposite proximal anddistal housing ends, the distal housing end having a coupling mechanism,a drug cartridge positioned within said housing and comprising acartridge depot channel dimensioned to slidably accept said drug depot,said drug cartridge comprising a first occluding device that includes afirst ramp and a first plateau, the first plateau extending distallyfrom the first ramp, said first occluding device at least partiallyoccluding said cartridge depot channel at a first occluding position toprevent said drug depot from moving beyond said first occluding devicewithout force applied to said drug depot sufficient to deflect saidfirst occluding device an amount to allow said drug depot to move beyondsaid first occluding device, said drug cartridge further comprising analignment boss comprising an end channel coaxial with said cartridgedepot channel and distal to said first occluding device, and a push rodslidably receivable in said housing and said drug cartridge to move saiddrug depot into said cannula from said cartridge depot channel, throughsaid cannula and into said patient; inserting said push rod into saidcartridge depot channel; advancing said push rod to apply said force tosaid drug depot to deflect said first occluding device in the amount toallow said drug depot to move beyond said first occluding device; andfurther advancing said push rod to expel said drug depot from saiddevice and into said patient; wherein said drug depot comprises multiplepellets or other solid drug forms.
 14. A method for delivering a drugdepot as recited in claim 13, wherein said device provided fordelivering a drug depot into a patient via a cannula for passage of saiddrug depot further comprises a second occluding device that includes asecond ramp and a second plateau, said second occluding device at leastpartially occluding said cartridge depot channel at a second occludingposition to prevent said drug depot from moving beyond said secondoccluding device without force applied to said drug depot sufficient todeflect said second occluding device an amount to allow said drug depotto move beyond said second occluding device and advancing said push rodbeyond said second occluding device to expel said drug depot from saiddevice and into said patient.
 15. A method for delivering a drug depotas recited in claim 14, wherein advancing said push rod comprisespushing said drug depot using said push rod such that (a) said drugdepot slides along said first ramp and onto said first plateau, and (b)said drug depot slides along said first plateau and into said cannula.16. A method for delivering a drug depot as recited in claim 14, whereinadvancing said push rod comprises pushing said drug depot using saidpush rod such that said drug depot moves onto said first plateau fromsaid first ramp such that said first plateau deflects to allow said drugdepot to move beyond said first occluding device.
 17. A kit fordelivering a drug depot into a patient via a cannula for passage of saiddrug depot, said kit comprising: a drug depot; a housing comprisingopposite proximal and distal housing ends, the distal housing end havinga coupling mechanism; a drug cartridge positioned within said housingand comprising a cartridge depot channel dimensioned to slidably expelsaid drug depot, said drug cartridge having a first occluding devicethat includes a ramp and a plateau each extending into the channel, theplateau extending distally from the ramp, said first occluding device atleast partially occluding said cartridge depot channel at a firstoccluding position to prevent said drug depot from moving beyond saidfirst occluding device, said drug cartridge further comprising analignment boss comprising an end channel coaxial with said cartridgedepot channel and distal to said first occluding device; and a push rodslidably receivable in said cartridge depot channel to move said drugdepot beyond said first occluding device, through said cannula and intosaid patient, wherein application of a force to said drug depot by thepush rod deflects said first occluding device an amount to allow saiddrug depot to move beyond said first occluding device.
 18. A kit fordelivering a drug depot according to claim 17, wherein said drug depotcomprises a therapeutically effective amount of a drug and abiodegradeable polymer.
 19. A kit for delivering a drug depot accordingto claim 17, further comprising a second push rod, said second push rodhaving a length that is different than that of said push rod.
 20. A kitfor delivering a drug depot according to claim 17, wherein the drugdepot comprises two or three drug depots.